There was a great outpouring of the inhabitants, all anxious to take advantage of the clearing of the storm, and the streets were soon crowded. The girls went down to the sea wall, at a point where Jack and Walter had made a habit of taking observations from time to time, and there they found the chums.
"Welcome to our city!" laughed Walter, as he greeted the girls. "Won't you come and have something cool to drink? It's going to be insufferably hot!"
And so it promised after the storm, for the sun, coming out with almost tropical warmth, after all the moisture, was fairly sizzling now.
"It sounds nice," spoke Cora. "Oh, Jack, do you think we can get any news of the steamer soon?"
"I think so, Sis. Let's go round by the Morro, and see what the semaphore says."
At the ancient Spanish fort flags were displayed to signal the expected arrival of steamers.
The little party found a refreshment booth and enjoyed the iced and flavored cocoanut milk, which made a most delightful beverage. Then, going on to the fort, they saw, fluttering in the breeze that had succeeded the hurricane, the flags that told of the approach of a steamer.
"I—I hope it brings news," said Cora, softly.
"Good news," supplemented Belie.
"Of course," added her sister.